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CNM vs FERG
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Core & Main (CNM) vs. Ferguson Enterprises (FERG) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Core & Main (CNM) is a specialty distributor focused on municipal water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection infrastructure, while Ferguson Enterprises (FERG) is a far larger, more diversified distributor spanning plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and waterworks.
- Both companies operate in similar end markets, but Ferguson's scale — roughly $31 billion in annual sales versus Core & Main's roughly $7.6 billion — gives it broader diversification across residential and non-residential construction.
- Recent momentum has been mixed for both, with interest-rate and residential housing concerns pressuring shares across the distributor sector in recent weeks.
- Ferguson carries stronger analyst conviction, with a consensus "Buy" rating and an average price target implying roughly 17% upside, plus an active $2 billion buyback authorization.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Ferguson Enterprises (FERG) — its diversification, scale, shareholder-return program, and broader analyst support give it the edge in relative market positioning.
- Explore deeper context on each name: CNM Major News and CNM Today's Price Move, plus FERG Major News and FERG Today's Price Move.
- For automated, data-driven ideas across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two North American distributors that supply the water, plumbing, and building-products markets: Core & Main (CNM) and Ferguson Enterprises (FERG). Although they operate in adjacent industries, they differ meaningfully in scale, product mix, and market positioning. Investors weighing exposure to construction, municipal infrastructure, and water-related spending may find this comparison useful, as it highlights how relative performance, growth drivers, and risk profiles diverge between a focused specialty distributor and a diversified national leader. Understanding these contrasts can help frame expectations around momentum, catalysts, and valuation in the current market environment.
CNM Overview and Recent Performance
Core & Main (CNM), headquartered in St. Louis, is a specialty distributor concentrated on water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products, serving municipalities, private water companies, and contractors across the U.S. and Canada through more than 370 locations. In its most recently reported periods, the company delivered steady execution, with fiscal 2026 first-quarter net sales of roughly $1.91 billion and adjusted diluted EPS (earnings per share) up about 6% year over year. Management has reaffirmed full-year guidance targeting net sales growth of 2% to 3%, supported by growth in higher-margin categories such as treatment plant solutions, smart utility and metering technology, and fire protection, as well as a meaningful contribution from data-center projects.
Recent market activity has reflected broader sector pressures tied to interest rates and affordability in residential land development, even as municipal infrastructure demand remains relatively resilient. Analysts are split, with some firms maintaining Buy ratings and price targets near the mid-$60s while others hold a more cautious stance. Core & Main's disciplined capital deployment — including share repurchases and greenfield branch expansion — continues to shape sentiment around its long-term growth path.
FERG Overview and Recent Performance
Ferguson Enterprises (FERG), headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, is North America's largest value-added distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks products, with annual sales of roughly $31.3 billion, about 35,000 associates, and more than 1,700 locations. In its most recent quarter, net sales rose 3.6% to approximately $7.47 billion, with adjusted operating profit up 8.4%, driven by strength in non-residential construction and continued market share gains that offset softer residential and HVAC activity.
Ferguson has paired this performance with a significant shareholder-return program, authorizing up to $2.0 billion in share repurchases and declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.89 per share. The company has also pursued tuck-in acquisitions, including a definitive agreement to acquire FloWorks, an industrial distributor, and announced plans to cancel its secondary listing on the LSE (London Stock Exchange) to consolidate trading on the NYSE. Recent share-price action has been subdued amid interest-rate concerns, but analyst sentiment remains broadly positive, with a consensus Buy rating and average price targets near $283.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI Trading Bots that monitor thousands of tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and basket of securities. Because market conditions shift constantly, only a select group of bots is highlighted in the curated Trending AI Robots section — those judged most suitable for the current environment. These bots vary widely, spanning different risk profiles, holding periods, and statistical track records, so traders can review performance metrics and settings before following a signal. If you are looking to complement manual research on names like CNM and FERG with algorithm-driven market analysis, exploring Trending AI Robots can offer a helpful, data-oriented starting point.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names is breadth versus focus. Ferguson's diversified model spans plumbing, HVAC, appliances, lighting, and PVF (pipes, valves, and fittings), giving it exposure to both residential and non-residential construction, as well as larger capital projects. Core & Main is more concentrated, with a municipal-centric water-infrastructure thesis anchored by aging infrastructure and long-term public spending needs. This gives Core & Main a potentially steadier secular demand backdrop, while Ferguson offers broader cyclical exposure and greater revenue diversification.
On growth drivers, Ferguson emphasizes organic share gains, pricing power, private-label expansion, and M&A (mergers and acquisitions), while Core & Main leans on greenfield branch openings, treatment plant and smart-utility solutions, and disciplined acquisitions in a highly fragmented market. Risk profiles also differ: Ferguson's larger residential footprint makes it more sensitive to housing and interest-rate swings, whereas Core & Main's municipal focus may provide more insulation but ties it more closely to public budgets and project timing. In terms of market sentiment, Ferguson enjoys stronger aggregate analyst conviction and a higher implied upside, while Core & Main's valuation and momentum have been more mixed amid softer housing-related comparisons.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as relative diversification, scale, shareholder returns, and analyst positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently favor FERG over CNM. Ferguson's broader end-market exposure, stronger consensus support, active buyback authorization, and steady dividend provide a more balanced combination of stability and catalysts in the present environment. Core & Main remains a compelling infrastructure-focused story, but its narrower exposure and more mixed near-term momentum leave it in a slightly less favorable relative position. This assessment is probabilistic in nature, reflecting current data and conditions rather than a definitive prediction of future returns.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CNM is a StrongBuy and FERG is a Buy.
CNM in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026
The 10-day moving average for CNM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNM as a result. In 60 of 81 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CNM just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where CNM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 38 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
CNM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.29% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNM advanced for three days, in 245 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
CNM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for CNM entered a downward trend on October 14, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CNM’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 64, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 66 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.075) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (18.389) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-0.567). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.451) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.442) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.090) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
Momentum Indicator for FERG turns positive, indicating new upward trend
FERG saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 86 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 60 of the 86 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 70%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
FERG moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for FERG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Following a +4.74% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FERG advanced for three days, in 223 of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 176 of 313 cases where FERG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FERG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
FERG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 64, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. FERG’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.549) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (24.443) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-0.567). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.426) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.442) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.351) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
FERG | ||
|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 42 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 76 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 27 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
| CNM | FERG | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 76% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 76% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 76% | 7 days ago 68% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 64% | 13 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 56% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CNM’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while FERG’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CNM’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- FERG’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CNM’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FERG’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNM’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- FERG’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNM (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а +5.95% price change this week, while FERG (@Electronics Distributors) price change was +5.41% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +2.60%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.11%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.26%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNM is expected to report earnings on Dec 08, 2026.
FERG is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+2.60% weekly)Electronics distributors are companies that are involved in distribution of one or more of the following: electronic components, computer products/ peripherals and software products & services. Several electronics distributors are also becoming the point of contact for technical/pre- & post-sale support in many cases, in an attempt to bolster their position in the market. Tariffs and/or cross-border trade barriers are some of the potential threats to the electronics supply chain, but that could also potentially lead to re-directing to markets where tariffs/restrictions are lower depending on demand. The industry is also vulnerable in the event of economic slowdowns. Arrow Electronics, Inc., SYNNEX Corporation and Versum Materials, Inc. are some of the major electronics distributors in the U.S.
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CNM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNM has been loosely correlated with FERG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 56% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CNM jumps, then FERG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CNM | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNM | 100% | -0.62% | ||
| FERG - CNM | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.07% | ||
| QXO - CNM | 54% Loosely correlated | +0.26% | ||
| WCC - CNM | 53% Loosely correlated | +4.78% | ||
| BXC - CNM | 53% Loosely correlated | -7.85% | ||
| SITE - CNM | 52% Loosely correlated | -2.52% | ||
More | ||||
FERG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FERG has been loosely correlated with CNM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 56% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if FERG jumps, then CNM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FERG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FERG | 100% | -0.07% | ||
| CNM - FERG | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.62% | ||
| WSO - FERG | 56% Loosely correlated | -1.59% | ||
| AIT - FERG | 54% Loosely correlated | +2.23% | ||
| WCC - FERG | 53% Loosely correlated | +4.78% | ||
| SITE - FERG | 51% Loosely correlated | -2.52% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| ZCSH | 32.54 | 2.30 | +7.61% |
| Zcash ETF | |||
| EVYM | 48.18 | -0.07 | -0.14% |
| Eaton Vance High Income Municipal ETF (EVYM) | |||
| XLFI | 23.47 | -0.06 | -0.24% |
| State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLFI) | |||
| SPEM | 48.28 | -0.36 | -0.74% |
| State Street SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) | |||
| VIXY | 18.12 | -0.31 | -1.68% |
| ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) | |||